The Atlantic Shores project receives federal approval from BOEM, moving the innovative offshore wind farm closer to construction off the New Jersey coast.
An offshore wind farm proposed off the New Jersey shore just achieved a major milestone. The Atlantic Shores project was approved by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), bringing it one step closer to being built.
Off the coast of New Jersey, an ambitious renewable energy project is picking up steam that could power over 1 million homes with clean energy. The proposed Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind project recently received federal approval from the US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), moving it one step closer to being built. This massive offshore wind farm promises huge economic and environmental gains for years to come.
Overview of the Trailblazing Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind Farm
Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind is a joint venture between two energy giants, Shell New Energies and EDF Renewables. If constructed as planned, its array of floating wind turbines located 8-13 miles offshore would generate 2,800 megawatts of electricity–enough to supply power to nearly 1 million New Jersey homes. As the very first offshore wind farm approved for New Jersey state waters, Atlantic Shores paves the way for reaching the goal of 100% clean energy by 2035.
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Diagram of a typical offshore wind farm (Credit: Renewable Energy Magazine)
This trailblazing project consists of two phases:
- Project 1 would have a capacity of 1,500 megawatts
- Project 2 would add another 1,300 megawatts
Together, these two offshore wind sites would play a monumental role in coastal New Jersey’s transition to renewable energy.
Major Regulatory Approval From BOEM
A crucial stepping stone for Atlantic Shores is receiving federal approval from BOEM, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. On February 28th, 2023, BOEM completed an exhaustive environmental impact assessment and granted Atlantic Shores clearance to move forward.
This decision marks the 9th offshore wind project greenlit under President Biden’s administration, adding over 10,000 megawatts of offshore wind capacity nationwide. According to BOEM director Deb Haaland:
“The Biden-Harris administration is building momentum every day for our clean energy future, and today’s milestone is yet another step toward our ambitious goal of deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore energy by 2030. Our clean energy future is now a reality.”
Before starting construction, Atlantic Shores still needs one final federal approval of its detailed building plans, plus two permits at the state level. But crossing this regulatory hurdle gets them well on the way towards that goal.
Economic Prosperity & Environmental Benefits for New Jersey
Beyond the sheer capacity to generate renewable electricity, Atlantic Shores brings immense economic and environmental gains. Building a wind farm of this scale will pump money into local communities and reduce statewide carbon emissions.
Specifically, Atlantic Shores is projected to create over 7,000 full-time jobs related to offshore wind. And over an operational lifetime of 25+ years, the cumulative economic impact to New Jersey is estimated at $16.2 billion. It will also offset over 5 million tons of carbon yearly–like taking 1 million cars off the road. ![Offshore wind farm with statistics][]
Atlantic Shores will bring clean energy and prosperity. (Credit: Colourbox)
Replacing fossil fuels with offshore wind offers a breath of fresh air by cutting pollution. And coastal towns stand to gain economically for generations to come.
How the Massive Wind Turbines Work: Technical Specs & Construction Plan
At the heart of Atlantic Shores lies state-of-art offshore wind technology. This complex renewable energy project involves navigating challenging ocean conditions to build an interconnected system.
Over 195 wind turbines will be installed by specialist teams working aboard jack-up vessels. Each Siemens Gamesa turbine towers over 800 feet high, with three colossal blades spanning nearly the entire length of a football field.
Underwater export cables will snake along pre-approved routes to deliver AC current from offshore transformer substations onshore. Detailed plans outline two cable landfall locations–one at Atlantic City, and another at Barnegat Light further north.
Advanced computer models account for marine life, avian flight paths, fishing grounds, and even future tidal conditions. BOEM only granted approval after exhaustive environmental scrutiny, with binding measures to protect wildlife. Still, visual impact from beaches is minimized by locating turbines no less than 8 miles offshore.
Through ingenious engineering, offshore wind harnesses strong and steady sea breezes to sustainably power communities on land.
Confronting Challenges in Offshore Wind Head-On
Success for revolutionary energy projects hinges on stakeholder buy-in. Atlantic Shores conducts extensive consultations to address concerns around economic impacts, visual blight, marine habitats, fishing access, and more. Their detailed filings submitted to NJ Board of Public Utilities reflect community feedback.
There are also technical and logistical barriers confronting offshore wind developers:
- Building and maintaining turbines in corrosive, unpredictable marine environments
- Coordinating vessels, equipment, personnel, and supply chains over vast areas
- Ensuring resilience against storms, hurricanes or accidents
- Minimizing effects on commercial fish stocks
However, through continuous innovation and responsible development, Atlantic Shores believes offshore wind’s immense potential is worth rising to the occasion.
Future Expansion on the Horizon
Atlantic Shores is only the beginning for offshore wind in New Jersey and neighboring states. Regulators already carved out two additional lease zones for competitive bidding in the wider New York Bight region.
And Atlantic Shores itself has the option to build a third phase, adding capacity beyond the currently authorized 3,300 MW. Pending acceptable performance and permits, total generation capacity could plausibly exceed 5,000 MW in future. That’s enough renewable energy to flip fossil fuel plants off for good.
Within barely a decade, floating wind turbines off the East Coast could multiply exponentially. By making Atlantic Shores a resounding success, New Jersey grabs the chance to lead this growing global industry.
Extensive Public and Government Consultation
For community acceptance, renewable energy developers must listen first. Atlantic Shores engaged stakeholders through public meetings, information sessions, advertising, and submitting to NJBPU oversight.
They also partnered with world-class environmental consultants to conduct crucial impact studies. State and federal agencies like New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and BOEM signed off on legally-binding reviews.
Rigorous consultation ensures Atlantic Shores responsibly balances diverse interests. Through transparency and cooperation, offshore wind can benefit all.
How Atlantic Shores Compares to Other Major Wind Projects
Globally, offshore wind is scaling new heights. The UK, Denmark, Germany, China, and others boast major operational wind farms, some exceeding 1,500 MW. Atlantic Shores dwarfs most US-based projects approved thus far.
Domestically, the leading reference is Vineyard Wind 1 off Massachusetts. At 800 MW, its turbine array could power 400,000 homes starting in 2023. Other approved wind farms along the East Coast range from small (Ocean Wind 1 – 1,100 MW) to medium-scale projects.
Positioned in the heart of the Atlantic seaboard, Atlantic Shores expands offshore wind’s foothold. It integrates insights from Vineyard Wind and European precursors, while innovating to meet local ecology and regulations.
Above all, Atlantic Shores represents a flagship model for responsible and profitable offshore wind development in the United States.
Conclusion: A Renewable Future for Coastal Communities
Offshore wind is no longer a quixotic dream, but a tantalizing reality. Atlantic Shores’ approval culminates over 6 years of meticulous planning and signals just the beginning. With construction targeted for 2024, America’s clean energy transition gains momentum by harnessing offshore breezes.
Beyond climate-friendly megawatts, floating wind turbines promise greener jobs for generations to come. By building back better together, offshore wind propels environmental justice for those hit hardest by soily energy’s legacy.
Of course, delivering this sustainable future requires collective buy-in between developers, governments and local communities. Atlantic Shores confronts valid concerns head-on and navigates complex logistics offshore.
For youth worldwide, each wind farm expansion offers inspiration to safeguard our planet. And in New Jersey at least, embracing floating turbines just off the coast bets on a brighter destiny powered by offshore winds.
The refreshing sea breeze beckons a cleaner, more just tomorrow.
Let me know if you have any other questions about New Jersey’s first offshore wind farm! Feel free to leave a comment or share this article if you found it helpful.
